Mini-lockdown slammed as Ian Paisley declares: We can’t let Covid shut our country down

A DUP MP has criticised the Executive’s “confusing” coronavirus instructions to the Province’s public, many of whom are spending this weekend under new local lockdowns.
Ian Paisley in the House of Commons during the weekIan Paisley in the House of Commons during the week
Ian Paisley in the House of Commons during the week

Ian Paisley, representing North Antrim, said the government messaging over the issue was “nonsensical”, with people now being told they cannot visit the homes of relatives and friends – but can visit restaurants.

He stressed that Ballymena, which is in the heart of his constituency, is still “open for business”, despite being one of the designated local lockdown zones (along with the following: the whole Belfast City Council area, and postcodes BT28, BT29, and BT43).

The new rules were announced by Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill on Thursday.

The News Letter quizzed the Executive Office on why it is targeting homes, but not businesses (like restaurants).

It said: “The restrictions are about reducing interactions between people.

“Reducing household contacts is viewed by the Executive as the most effective way to achieve that at this time.

“The evidence indicates that the vast majority of cases are being acquired through household interactions or informal interactions in the community.

“There is limited evidence that cases are being acquired where there are mitigations in place. This will be kept under continuous review.

“Hospitality businesses will continue to be subject to strict guidance, regulation and appropriate enforcement where necessary.”

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

The new lockdown measures are less restrictive than the initial ones earlier in the year.

They impose the following rules on people living in the designated areas already mentioned (Belfast, Ballymena, BT28, BT29, and BT43):

– No mixing of households in private homes (except if you are ‘bubbling’ with one other household, and in the case of caring responsibilities, medical visits, and a handful of other reasons);

– No more than six people in a private garden, from no more than two households;

– Anyone living in the designated areas is asked to avoid unnecessary travel outside the restricted areas;

– Care homes and hospitals are cutting visits to one member of a family, once a week, except in “exceptional circumstances”.

Legal regulations will be introduced next week, but people are supposed to start observing the rules now.

‘WE MUST NOT LET COMMUNITIES CRUMBLE’

Mr Paisley said many constituents had contacted him, confused about the new rules.

He said that “we must learn to live with Covid not let it control us and not let it close the country down”.

He added that “the decision to put out a message that is vague and tells people to stay at home, but also go to work... confuses people”.

He added that it “will not solve the problem of deterring bad practices by the few. It’s the proverbial sledge hammer to crack a nut, when what we need is surgical precision.

“We need a targeted campaign at those either ignorant of risk or who are ignoring risk.”

“We need it in foreign languages amongst those in our community who make a major economic contribution but who live in residences of multiple occupation. We need to make sure they are safe and not at risk and engage in the same good practice. I’ve seen zero effort by the Executive, the Public Health Agency, or the Department of Health to engage with our foreign workers and help them through this. Why not?

“Importantly Ballymena is open for business. The fact is the latest restriction is about houses but it has the potential to blight business and keep people away. We proclaim for Ballymena it’s business as usual!

“We encourage people to use the businesses and shop local. We need to help our community through this not lock away and see our community crumble. We will and we must over come this!”

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